60-second headlines: Liverpool set for tough winter, life expectancy in city drops

With rates of COVID-19 still high, and seasonal illnesses such as flu and norovirus on their way, Public Health officials in Liverpool are warning the city faces a difficult winter ahead.

They believe the next few months will be difficult not only for the public, but for those working on the frontline in the NHS and in social care.

With schools re-opening and many more people returning to their place of work, the Government has now confirmed their five-pillar plan for dealing with COVID-19 and autumn and winter illnesses.

Although future lockdowns haven’t been ruled out, they are a last resort. The focus is on maximising the uptake of vaccines for everyone who is eligible, so first and second doses will continue for everyone aged 16 and over, alongside single doses for young people aged 12-15 being offered from next week.

Alongside these, a ‘booster’ vaccine for the over 50s, those with underlying health conditions and those working on the frontline of health and social care services will be offered after six months, with the NHS contacting eligible people when the time is right.

Life expectancy falling

The life expectancy of people in Liverpool continued to fall during the first part of 2021 as the effects of the COVID pandemic continued. Analysis by the council continues to suggest that the city’s most deprived communities have borne the brunt of the fall in life expectancy.

River of Light returns

River of Light is back to illuminate Liverpool’s waterfront this autumn. From 22 October to 7 November, light installations with the theme Rhythm of the Light will take over the city centre, with each artwork inspired by Liverpool’s musical heritage.

Details of the artists who will be part of the 17-night free trail will be unveiled next month, but visitors can expect the usual awe-inspiring pieces similar to the scale of the stunning installations which transformed the waterfront earlier in the year.

Highlights included the iconic Rainbow Bridge by Josh Zubkoff and Srikanth Guttikonda, Neighbourhood by Sergey Kim – a beautiful illuminated washing line on Castle Street – and End Over End by Studio Vertigo which saw a giant slinky installed at Liverpool ONE.

The autumn route will be designed to allow people to maintain social distancing, but anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should not visit the trail.

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